ASU Online students
SOS 484 Capstone Internship requirement
Effective Summer 2023 and beyond, School of Sustainability undergraduates are no longer required to complete SOS 484 Capstone Internship. Students are encouraged to complete internships and enroll in SOS 484 Elective credit if desired.
All School of Sustainability undergraduate students must complete the SOS 484 Capstone Internship Requirement.
Since this is an individualized experience that must be arranged before registering for the SOS 484 course, it is recommended to plan at least a semester in advance of completing this requirement.
Summer Vogel, ASU Online student
Intern at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
Here are the main ways Online students complete the Capstone Internship requirement:
Traditional internship
The majority of Online students complete traditional internships, either in person or virtual. Students find internships either through posted opportunities or by creating their own internships with local organizations by direct outreach and networking. Please review the Find an Internship resources in this site, which apply to both Online and Tempe campus based students. Two important resources are: Handshake (ASU-wide job and internship posting site) and SustainabilityConnect (School of Sustainability posting site), though you are not limited to these sites. Internships may be paid or unpaid, review internship criteria for details.
Work Variance
Some students create a sustainability internship opportunity within their current place of employment. This is a good option for students working for an organization with sustainability related opportunities, who have support from their employer, and who may wish to further their career or diversify their experience with their current employer. More information is included under the "Create an Internship" section of this site. note: this option is only available to undergraduate students
Directed Study / Research
This option is best for students with specific research focus, or are otherwise unable to complete a traditional internship or work variance. This option provides more flexibility than a traditional internship or work variance, but requires the student to be very self-motivated and work independently without a lot of oversight. The Directed Study option is only available to ASU Online students. More information about the Directed Study / Research option can be found here. note: this option is only available to undergraduate students
Faculty Directed Research
ASU faculty may be directing research projects that need student support. Opportunities for faculty directed research can be found on SustainabilityConnect, or by reaching out directly to faculty and inquiring. Opportunities would almost always be unpaid but usually offer a greater level of flexibility.
The SURE program (Sustainability Undergraduate Research Experience) offers faculty directed research projects that may meet capstone internship requirements. Only available in spring terms, apply in October. In person and remote opportunities. Review website for program details, list of projects, and application. note: this option is only available to undergraduate students
Global Virtual Internship Program
The ASU Study Abroad Office manages a Global Virtual Internship Program which allows students of all majors to complete a fully remote internship with an international (or domestic) organization, and requires no travel. Term options include A, B, or C session options. Since this is a placement based program, there is an application fee. Internships are unpaid. Pre-approved to meet SOS 484 credit requirements. Spring, Fall, Summer options available. See website for details. note: this option is only available to undergraduate students
How Online students can get started:
Please thoroughly explore this site for information and resources
Think about how to approach finding an internship in your location, utilizing both posted opportunities and advice included on the Create an Internship page
Consider whether Work Variance or Directed Study may be an option for you
Schedule an appointment with the SOS Internship Coordinator to further discuss your ideas and options